Notes on Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy Saves Lives

• NASA study (2013): Nuclear energy prevented ~1.8 million deaths.
• Includes Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear energy ranks last in deaths per energy units produced.
• Reduces cases of cancer, lung disease, and coal mine accidents by reducing fossil fuel use.

Nuclear Energy Reduces $CO_2$ Emissions

• Nuclear energy is less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels.
• Since 1976, nuclear energy has prevented about 64 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Could prevent an additional 80-240 gigatons by mid-21st century.
• Mitigates climate change effects compared to coal.

New Technologies

• Thorium reactors could solve nuclear waste issues.
  • Thorium is abundant.
  • Hard to turn into nuclear weapons.
  • Less wasteful than current reactors.
  • Waste material potentially dangerous for only a few hundred years.
  • One ton of thorium = 200 tons of uranium or 3,500,000 tons of coal.
• Further research is needed to explore alternative nuclear technologies.